WHISTLER, BC - FEBRUARY 17: (L-R) Julia Mancuso of the United States celebrates winning silver, Lindsey Vonn of the United States gold and Elisabeth Goergl of Austria bronze during the flower ceremony for the Alpine Skiing Ladies Downhill on day 6 of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics at Whistler Creekside on February 17, 2010 in Whistler, Canada. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Ahead of Lindsey Vonn’s Ski Return: A Look Back at the US Skiing Legend’s Top 5 Career Wins
Lindsey Vonn, the undisputed queen of the slopes, is set to make a sensational return to skiing. While her announcement to participate in a yet-to-be-named event is electrifying, it has also ignited debates about whether this move is necessary or purely driven by personal ambition. As fans and critics prepare for her comeback, let’s delve into the most defining moments of her illustrious career—a career that has been as controversial as it has been awe-inspiring.
1. The 2010 Vancouver Olympics – Downhill Gold
Vonn’s downhill gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver remains one of her most iconic achievements. Facing immense pressure as the favorite, she dominated the competition despite racing on a bruised shin, earning her first (and only) Olympic gold. However, critics argued that the heavily Americanized media coverage overshadowed other exceptional performances, leading to accusations of bias. Nevertheless, Vonn’s win solidified her as a global superstar.
2. 2008–2010 Dominance in the World Cup Overall Standings
During this period, Vonn claimed three consecutive World Cup overall titles, showcasing her unmatched versatility and consistency across multiple disciplines. This streak marked her as one of the sport’s greatest athletes. Yet, her dominance was not without controversy. Some competitors claimed her superior resources and support team, backed by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, created an uneven playing field. Whether this critique holds water or not, Vonn undeniably leveraged her advantages to redefine the sport.
3. Breaking Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s Record (82 World Cup Wins)
In January 2019, Vonn broke Annemarie Moser-Pröll’s longstanding record of 82 World Cup wins—a feat considered untouchable for decades. While this milestone was celebrated as a testament to her resilience and longevity, skeptics pointed out that Vonn’s career coincided with a period of fewer elite competitors, potentially diluting the weight of her achievement. Regardless of the noise, this record cemented her legacy in skiing history.
4. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen Comeback (2015)
After a devastating knee injury that sidelined her for two years, Vonn’s victory in the downhill at Garmisch-Partenkirchen proved her mettle as a true warrior of the slopes. Fans rejoiced, calling it one of the most inspiring comebacks in sports history. However, critics noted that her return was rushed and questioned whether the risks outweighed the rewards, given her history of injuries. Vonn, characteristically defiant, silenced doubters with a performance for the ages.
5. The Final Farewell at Åre (2019)
In her final race at the 2019 World Championships in Åre, Sweden, Vonn secured a bronze medal in the downhill, becoming the oldest woman to medal at the Worlds. This emotional farewell showcased her unwavering spirit, but not everyone was on board. Detractors argued that Vonn’s decision to race after announcing retirement undermined the younger generation of skiers, taking attention away from their moment to shine.
The Legacy and the Debate
As Lindsey Vonn prepares for a surprising return to competitive skiing, the question remains: why now? While fans hail her as a trailblazer and inspiration, others criticize her for overshadowing the next generation of athletes and risking her well-being for what some perceive as a vanity project.
Her top five career wins demonstrate both her brilliance and the polarizing nature of her dominance. Whether her return adds to her legacy or tarnishes it, one thing is certain: Lindsey Vonn continues to captivate the world, for better or worse.
Stay tuned as the slopes once again become her stage, and the debates rage on.
